Posts by Xanthippe

so even though i don't drive much because public transit is so good where i live (and parking is a living nightmare), i always had a paper taped onto my glove box that said "no blood transfusions - jehovahs witness.

see legal documentation in wallet.

going through this "wake up" process as been a very crazy, emotional experience.

Xanthippe

That's great Steph, you really want to live now don't you. A little while ago you weren't so sure. Welcome to the rest of your life.

92

Only a few days ago I was entirely lost and without hope the rug was pulled out from under me

by elderess in

jw
friends

only a few days ago i was walking around the house in a mindless wander thinking if i needed to seek professional help.

then i got the courage to seek the comfort of complete strangers on the internet and found a world of support here on this website.

thank you simon and whoever else has made this website possible.

Xanthippe

That is such wonderful news! After your first thread you disappeared and I was really worried you'd just given up and gone back to the religion. I am so very thrilled for you and your husband. Please take it very, very slowly with your children. Get used to the idea yourselves first and then proceed with great caution so you can keep in touch with them and not lose them. Your plans for the future sound awesome! 🎄🎂🎈🎉🎁💜

33

Urging More Lurkers To Sign Up

by freemindfade in

i have seen a lot of new posters intro stories on here, also updates from those who have been around for a while.

i just want to take 1 post to beg those reading to speak up.

it was a big turning point for me and one of the best decisions i made.

Xanthippe

Freemindfade your topic is working, or something is. Every time I come on this forum several new people are introducing themselves. A great big welcome to you if you have just joined this site or have been reading quietly for some time.

14

Advice needed

by Peony in

jw
friends

can someone tell me the scriptural basis (according to jw's) for shunning disassociated ones.

only asking because i don't remember (probably wasn't that interested) i'm sure the shunning in the scriptures was just applied to disfellowshipped.

i've only been out 3 years but i seem to have forgotten any scriptures or reasoning!

Xanthippe

Hi Peony I think they use this scripture but it's been a very long time for me too so I'm not sure.

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 2 John 1 : 10 NIV

I think in the NWT it replaces don't welcome them with do not say a greeting to them, hence the silent treatment.

38

Fading is never 100% successful is it?

by nicolaou in

mum phoned last night to see how we all are.

after fifteen years away from meetings and my old jw life you'd think my fade could be called 'successful' and for the most part it is.

.. my resentment at being lied to and having wasted over thirty years of my life has left me like a glass of water full to the brim, it only takes a tap to make a mess.

Xanthippe

One thing I've realized though is that it's not unique to JW families and upbringing. Sure, there are JW specific elements to it but most families are messed up and dysfunctional in some way it seems but everyone pretends that everything is fine and puts on a good show for public consumption. - Simon

I'm glad you said that Simon. I've tried to say this before and some get very angry on here with me. Yesterday in my work I was helping a lady well over 70 print out a map to go to her sister's funeral. She didn't know the way to her sister's house. I didn't say anything because it's none of my business of course, but this happens more than you think.

66

What's the point?

by punkofnice in

jw
friends

i mean, i don't want to be miserable or anything, but what's the bloody point of it all?.

since i left the watchtower cult, i have come to realise that god cannot possibly exist...and if a god exists...god is indifferent to humankind as the least.. in 100 years time i'll be gone.

kaput.

Xanthippe

Thanks Snare for the Sam Harris vid. I like that he said what can fill the void of atheism is science, art and philosophy. Yes he said philosophy.

I liked his mindfulness meditation session. I was going to make a joke about it because I realised what he was doing having done Buddhist mediation myself but then Sam joked himself saying that he got a roomful of atheists doing mindfulness meditation, now you're all Buddhists he said.

'If there is any truth in the religions that we deplore it is the value or the present moment'

Living in the present moment can even erode the pain of grief Sam said. Yes I agree. I learned that.

I do wish that when the prolific posters on this site laud Sam Harris et al they would really listen to them. Philosophy and mindfulness meditation that we got from Buddhism. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.